BNXN Collaborates With FOLA on New Record ‘Shamaya’

Nigerian singer-songwriter BNXN has teamed up with vocalist FOLA on a collaborative record titled "Shamaya." The track forms part of the material associated with the Still In Charge extended play project, showcasing a shared creative direction between both recording artists.

Lyrically, the song navigates themes of romantic attraction, mutual desire, and opulent living. The writing utilizes a dual-language approach, weaving English with Yoruba phrases to project an aura of confidence and personal stature. Throughout the piece, the recurring "shamaya" refrain anchors the track’s thematic focus on bold energy and self-assured charisma.

Lyrical Composition and Cultural Touchpoints

In the composition, FOLA takes the lead on the introductory verse and the main chorus, setting a playful yet assertive tone. The narrative moves through expressions of intimate pursuit, personal focus, and discretionary romance, interspersed with lifestyle references spanning premium beverages to cultural hallmarks such as traditional agbada attire.

The writing also incorporates recognized cultural names, including references to Nigerian musical icon Lagbaja and political figure Alao Akala, grounding the contemporary Afropop styling within recognizable indigenous contexts. These elements serve to underline the record’s emphasis on status and luxury while maintaining a conversational delivery.

From an industry standpoint, cross-generational cultural references coupled with bilingual songwriting continue to serve as a vital creative strategy for Nigerian musicians. This approach reinforces local relevance and authenticity while crafting melodies tailored for widespread consumer appeal across streaming networks and live performance spaces.

Source: NotJustOk